10 FREE things to do in Amsterdam:

Are you looking for awesome, free things to do in Amsterdam? We have an international staff here at our hostel, and we’re often on a budget, just like you might be during your stay in Amsterdam.

We want to help you enjoy your time here, even when you don’t have much money to spend. So here are 10 free things to in Amsterdam, as recommended by staff members!

1. Begijnhof

One of the free things to do in Amsterdam is to visit Begijnhof. The Netherlands is famous for its courtyards with almshouses around. Most of these courtyards are open to the public. Begijnhof is a quiet courtyard where a group of unmarried religious women lived back in the 14th century. In Begijnhof you can still find a little chapel, which is the oldest house in Amsterdam.

2. Cheese Museum

Do you like cheese? Or do you want to try typical Dutch food? Visit the Cheese Museum. It is free entry and offers free samples of specialty cheeses. It is really close to the Anne Frank House and to our Shelter Amsterdam Hostel in the Jordaan. A must visit when in Amsterdam!

3. Free Concerts

Amsterdam has many free concerts you can visit, if you’re looking for fun things to do in Amsterdam. The Royal Concertgebouw has free lunch concerts at 12:30 on Wednesdays, and the Muziektheater has free concerts at the same time on Tuesdays. If you enjoy jazz music, then head over to the Bimhuis, a nice location that offers at least one free evening concert every week. It’s the perfect thing to do in Amsterdam, especially if you’re a musician.

4. Open-air Market

Another free thing to do in Amsterdam is to visit one of the open-air market. There are loads of markets spread over Amsterdam, especially during the weekend. You can find almost anything thereor you can just walk through and enjoy the atmosphere. When you go to a market in the Jordaan area on a Saturday you can see and hear an original Dutch street organ.

5. Public Library of Amsterdam

Don’t forget the famous library. Amsterdam’s library is one of the largest in Europe, with approximately 28,000 Msq in size. This is a unique place, with extraordinary architecture. On the top floor, the library has a café, where you can enjoy a coffee, sitting on the balcony, and looking at a gorgeous view.

6. Free Ferry to Amsterdam North

All public transport costs money, except the ferry to Amsterdam North. The ferry is free to take to visit the north side of Amsterdam. You can find the ferry behind central station; the ferries run every 5-10 minutes. Taking the ferry is one of the coolest free things to do in Amsterdam.

7. Civic Guards Gallery

Most people don’t know about this free exhibition in Amsterdam. But in the Kalverstraat gate that goes to the Amsterdam Historical Museum you can find 15 huge paintings that show the Civic Guards of Amsterdam who served in the 1600s. These artistic works are placed in a walkway with a glass roof and its worth including on your shopping tour through the Kalverstraat.

8. Rijksmuseum Gardens

The Rijksmuseum Gardens are free, although a lot of people don’t know the Renaissance and Baroque Gardens are open to the public. Additionally, you get a free printed guide that explains the history of the fountains, ponds, statues, and architectural pieces. Don’t miss out on this opportunity for a free thing to do in Amsterdam!

9. City Archives Amsterdam

My favourite free thing to do in Amsterdam is visiting the City archive. You can dive into the rich history of Amsterdam without paying anything. Every month they show a different movie about Amsterdam. There are also tons of pictures to see in a slideshow about the history of Amsterdam. It is one of the great things to do in Amsterdam.

10. Information Centre of the ‘North South metro line’ of Amsterdam

The last free thing to do in Amsterdam is to visit the information centre of the North/South metro line of Amsterdam. This big project started in 2003 and is hoped to be finished in 2017. The North/South metro line project cost just over 3 billion euro’s already. For more information, please contact them at +31 (0) 203445070 or visit them directly. This is one of the most interesting free things to do in Amsterdam.

I hope all of our favorite things to do in Amsterdam will soon be your favorite things to do here too!